Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg said he has talked to Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig and Major League Baseball officials about the Rays' attendance and progress on securing a new stadium.

At this point last year Brett Lawrie was still a relatively unknown commodity. Now Lawrie finds himself not only with a secure spot on the Opening Day roster, but as one of the most marketable players on the team.

Of all the modifications in the new five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement that recently went into effect, none will be more consequential than the first expansion of Major League Baseball's playoffs since the 1995 advent of Division Series.

Barry Larkin didn't sit around through the holidays dwelling on his chances of election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame as eligible members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America pondered the possibilities.

The American League East is normally home to Major League Baseball's biggest spenders, but so far this offseason, the division has kept its pocketbook under lock and key.

Detroit's offseason planning took an expected turn on Friday, when Rick Porcello opted out of his contract in order to reach a different agreement.

The Rangers are one of several teams that have expressed interest in free-agent first baseman/outfielder Brad Hawpe, according to industry sources.

The Angels signed free-agent infielder Jorge Cantu to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training on Friday.

The four-player trade between the Cubs and Padres on Friday breathes new life into the career of Anthony Rizzo, who heads to the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, while Cashner moves to a pitcher's haven, Petco Park.

A few of the key players have changed, but the overriding goal for White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper and the intangibles expected from his hurlers never move.

While Mariners fans continue clamoring for news on Prince Fielder, GM Jack Zduriencik and his staff will continue pursuing other avenues to improve the club as well.

The Cardinals made official on Friday what had been evident for a couple of days, formally naming Dan Kantrovitz as the club's new director of scouting.

The Mets now appear completely set in at least one roster area, agreeing to terms Friday with infielder Ronny Cedeno on a one-year deal, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

Right fielder Nick Markakis underwent surgery to repair abdominal muscles on Thursday, according to the Baltimore Sun.

The Cubs acquired first baseman Anthony Rizzo and right-hander Zach Cates from the Padres on Friday, sending right-hander Andrew Cashner and outfielder Kyung-Min Na to San Diego.

Starlin Castro was wanted for questioning by Chicago police after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman on Sept. 29, the night after the regular season ended, an allegation the Cubs shortstop's lawyers called "baseless."

Pitching coach Dave Duncan has elected to take a leave of absence from his position in order to deal with personal matters, the club announced Thursday.